New Year’s Eve party: 5 tips for an intimate get-together

Champagne is key.

Thinking about what to do on New Year’s Eve is always such a debate. Should you go out? Stay in? There are a number of ideas for New Year’s Eve parties that will allow you to relax, but still, celebrate at the end of a long season of holiday parties. An intimate dinner party at home for a small group of family and friends sounds perfect. Don’t know where to start? Punit Jasuja, creative director of New Delhi-based events and interior design firm Second Floor Studio, has a few New Year’s Eve party tips that will make party planning a snap!

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New Year’s Eve party theme

Tying the entire New Year’s Eve party to a colour theme will pave the way for a memorable night. The colour palette that Punit suggests: black, white gold and silver. Red and green-hued Christmas decorations are always welcome as they go with the holiday theme.

New Year’s Eve party invite

You might be throwing an intimate New Year’s Eve party, but that doesn’t mean you don’t send out an invite to your family and friends. The invitation should specify the kind of party you are hosting. Some hosts have dinner parties, while others have dance parties. Make sure you are clear about what is happening at your New Year’s Eve celebration. Inform your guests of timings and activities so that they can plan their party-hopping accordingly.

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New Year’s Eve party decor

Make room for a dance floor, says Punit. If you want a party to take off, get a disco ball and have a spotlight on it. Move your furniture to the side to make room for people to mingle and groove. Get out all your candle stands, as well as vases that can double as candle stands. Place the candles in a vase, especially if there are kids around. You don’t need to set aside a budget for flowers, but if you can fit them in, choose white roses or white lilies. Hats, boas and NYE props for the guests can also double as decor.

New Year’s Eve party food

Champagne is key! Prosecco and CAVA are good substitutes if champagne isn’t available. This is also a good time to experiment with new cuisines—a cold and hot buffet with tastes from around the world. Guests tend to eat through the night, so make provision for heavy appetizers and a late-night dinner. Try whipping up something at home to add a personal touch. A potluck is always a fun way to celebrate with friends. Make sure the desserts are colourful and fun.

New Year’s Eve party tricks & gifts

A great party game would be to share resolutions for the new year. Write quotes on a chalkboard or on paper with wishes for the new year. A dance-off is always a fun way to get the party going. If you are considering handing out return gifts, Punit suggests starting the new year off with something sweet. A bag full of cookies or homemade fudge will do the trick.